Falling Autumn: 2

Shayne wastes no time rushing to her father. After all, what do you do when a really cute girl practically jumps into your arms and doesn't move? Bring her home to meet the folks, of course.

Meanwhile, Autumn dreams of her suffocated, trapped life just weeks before she arrived in Washington D.C.

Submitted:May 28, 2012
Reads: 79
Comments: 4
Likes: 2

October 25

Shayne

A simpletwenty minutes of sprinting at maximum speed, even if
you're in great condition, will sap your strength to the size of
a pinhead. Now add another person to carry on top of that. Trust
me, it's not pleasant.

The streets of Washington D.C.are alive and buzzing with
pedestrians, merchants, and businessmen. As I dart past muttering
half-hearted apologies, I feel their confused stares drive into
my back.

On the bright side, Autumn can't weigh more thana fifth grader.
Thank God I'm not a wimp. I think as I round the corner
to my apartment buildings. My bumps and bruises hurt like hell,
especially after being worked overtime to get me home as quick as
humanly possible, but my main priority was getting Autumn help.

Colonel Sevon is sitting on the couch in his Army uniform. He
bolts up fasterthanI can say "Mississippi".Surprisingly, next to
him is a 35 year old red headed man that I know as Uncle Patrick
Machaon. Had the circumstances been different, I would have been
absolutely thrilled to see Dad's ole war buddy and my favorite
family friend. The complete irony of Uncle Patrick being here is
the fact that he is a certified Army Medical Personnel.

My knees wobble, and I stagger to the living room to set Autumn,
who is still knocked out cold,down.

Dad looks me over, scrutinizing every cut. Then, his grey eyes
flash to Autumn. I swear I can practically see the gears turning
in his mind, trying to make accurate split-second
decisions.Activating his military persona, he orders, "Shayne,
sit down and get cleaned up. Stay out of the way.Patrick, buddy,
help me out here."

I glance at Autumn at my feet. Following Dad's command seems
impossible, I can't leave her. Granted, I don't know her, but for
some odd reason I don't want to leave her side at all. Uncle
Patrick is already checking her pulse and eye dialations. Dad is
glowering at my hesitation.

Please, help me! Her voice is clear and hysterical in my
mind.

Eventually, I take several baby steps back to finda chair and
some disinfectant. The best way to help her, I realize, is to let
Dad and Uncle Patrick take care of her, though my heart is
screaming to stay.

She'll be ok. I try to convince myself. Til then,
I'll be here for her.

October 14

Autumn

"I really think you're going to love it in Chicago,
sweetheart." Wyatt Robinson declared to me with a polite smile.
He placed his hand on my thigh in a sort of controlling,
I'm-your-boyfriend-and-I-am-allowed-to-do-this-no-matter-what-you-say
type ofway. His sickly green eyes held the unmistakable glint of
lust.

Resisting the urge to be sick all over the dining table, I
plastered on the perfect contenetment face. "Oh, certainly! I
simply can't wait."

Aunt Grace, more than pleased to see her niece with a
"dashing" young man straight out of Harvard, offered Wyatt more
tea. I glanced at her eyes that were gleaming with joy. Her
little Autumn McCaldwell was on her way to a "fabulous" life in
Chicago, far away from the McCaldwell family once and for all.
Happy, happyday.

"Please excuse me," I removed myself from the table of tea,
biscuits, and disgusting lies and fled straight for the restroom,
the only room I was granted peace.

My reflection was one of a small, blonde haired 16 year old
swathed in a lacey sundress. Tawny eyes alighted with anger and
desperation. Perfect features of pale beauty. However, the
invisible side of me, that noone knew, held a more hideous
picture wrought with pain.

"I hate it here. I hate stupid 22 year old Wyatt. I hate
Grace McCaldwell. I hate these dumb dresses and tea sessions. I
hate all the money and lies." I chanted repeatedly. Seconds
ticked away and I savored every sinlge one.

I knew this precious time alone wouldn't mean anything. I
would still have to go back and finish tea with Wyatt and Aunt
Grace, I would still have to fly away to Wyatt's house with him
after getting married in three days, I would still be
trapped.

Walking back to the lavish dining table and the two people I
despised most, I made a silent vow deep in my heart.